Westerly: Misquamicut Beach and Weekapaug

There is wonderful running in the Westerly area, with excellent variety — from classic beaches to historic homes and beautiful waterside roads. Here are two great runs on the beach and pretty roads around Weekapaug:

Misquamicut Beach Area. Misquamicut is a gorgeous beach on the Rhode Island/Connecticut border, near the tony towns of Westerly and Watch Hill. It’s possible to do a lovely run on packed sand on the 2.5 mile main section of the beach paralleling Atlantic Ave. At the south end of Atlantic Ave., one can even continue on the beach south for another 1.8 miles to East Beach in Watch Hill.  The beach can get a little narrow and crowded at high tide. There are the usual beach-y shops and restaurants along 3 mile long Atlantic Ave, which has a decent shoulder for running. Note it’s exposed and there aren’t water views much of the way. ROUTE MAP.

Weekapaug. For some beautiful waterside running, at the northern end of Atlantic Ave., do a ~2 mile loop of Weekapaug. It can be a standalone run or in combo with Misquamicut.  Start at the intersection of Atlantic Ave. &  Weekapaug Rd. and run along Wawaloam Dr. to Spray Rock Rd., to the tony Weekapaug Inn. Return the same way or run along a couple of the quiet side streets of Weekapaug (Winona, etc.), which feature beautiful homes.

Longer Run: Connect to our Watch Hill loop, at the southern end of Atlantic Ave., take Maplewood Ave. and then left on Bayberry Rd. to connect to Ocean View Hwy. Watch Hill loop route. One can also continue on Misquamicut Beach south to East Beach in Watch Hill. The beach is continuous!